Let`s discuss gluten free beer. When I received my Celiac Disease diagnosis back in 2008, I wasn`t yet 21 (though I was in college), and there were very few gluten free breweries across the nation. I was fortunate to live in Seattle, near Ghostfish Brewing, so the early years of my diagnosis were a bit smoother since I had access to gluten free beer regularly.
However, not everyone shared that experience. Additionally, the world of gluten-free beer can be confusing – is it totally gluten-free or just reduced? This guide aims to help find gluten-free beer options whether at home or traveling.
Below is an overview of gluten free and gluten-reduced beer (which I don’t advise), and 14 places brewing gluten free beer that you can find around the country.
What Beer is Gluten Free & Celiac-Safe?
First, let`s discuss the two main types of beer often referred to as “gluten free beer”. Those types are gluten reduced beer, and gluten free beer.
Regular beer is crafted from barley, hops, and water. Barley contains gluten, rendering it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease. Advancements in science have generated an enzyme. In essence, this enzyme dismantles the gluten protein into sufficiently small pieces to pass a “gluten test.” Several gluten reduced beer companies reiterate that the broken down protein fragments are also minute enough to avoid digestion, citing anecdotal experience without ill effects from daily intake.
I don’t know about you, but to me that sounds quite a lot like “no, believe me, the gluten gets dissolved in the fryer, I eat it every day!”
For clarity’s sake, the first part about gluten in fryers is simply not accurate, and the second part (the “I didn’t get glutened” part) is not a good way to evaluate whether something is safe for Celiacs or not.
Enter gluten free beer.
Beer labeled gluten-free can only contain ingredients devoid of gluten, clarifying why “gluten-reduced” beers pervade. Really, this indicates something about the safety of gluten-decreased beers for those with Celiac disease.
Most gluten free beers are crafted with a combination of alternative gluten free grains like buckwheat, millet, sorghum and rice, and even things like chestnuts and lentils on occasion.
When I was initially diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2008, there were only a handful of gluten free breweries across the country. Currently, there are (at minimum) 14, probably a couple more that are regional and are small enough that I haven’t come across them yet.
My recommendation, as a beer aficionado with Celiac disease who has dabbled in gluten-reduced brews in the past, is to solely drink beers strictly certified gluten free produced at a dedicated gluten free brewery if you have Celiac Disease.
I cannot comment on those with a non-Celiac gluten sensitivity, but ingesting even a small amount of gluten is unlikely to be in one`s best interest.
14 Dedicated Gluten Free Breweries Around the Country (and Canada!)
Now that we’ve got that out of the approach, let’s talk about the dedicated gluten free breweries around the country that seem to be emerging more and more every day.
Splitting my time between California and the Pacific Northwest means that I get to sample a wide selection of gluten free beer, because most of it originates from the Pacific Northwest.
In reality, over half of the breweries mentioned below are situated in either Washington or Oregon, which is remarkable.
I have not yet tried the beers in the lower section but plan to do so soon, at which point they will be added to the list along with a full assessment.
Ghostfish Brewing Co.
Ghostfish is a dedicated gluten free brewery based in Seattle that is devoted to “elevating gluten-free beer to the forefront of craft brewing innovation.” They understand that the craft beer movement has left people avoiding gluten behind, which accurately mirrors my own feelings, and I value that they have endeavored to resolve this issue with acclaimed gluten free beer offerings.
As a resident of Seattle, they were among the first truly gluten free beers I found during my journey with Celiac Disease, and hold a special place in my heart for that reason.
It can be said without exaggeration that every time I return home to Seattle from the Bay Area, our first stop on the way to my mom`s house is ALWAYS Ghostfish in SoDo. Sometimes on the return trip to the airport too.
Is it peculiar that I even schedule my return flights to arrive in time for happy hour? Which only sometimes occurs because of flight delays – thanks SFO!
One of the greatest highlights of Ghostfish OTHER than their delicious beer is their 100% gluten free taproom in SoDo, where they offer dishes like goat cheese gnocchi, fish & chips, and pork belly macaroni and cheese. Guess who has gluten free onion rings? GHOSTFISH DOES! It’s not only one of the best places to find gluten free beer in Seattle, it’s also one of the best spots for consuming gluten free cuisine in Seattle.
On to the beer!
Their flagship beers are:
- Kick Step IPA
- Vanishing Point Pale Ale
- Meteor Shower Blonde
- Shrouded Summit Belgian White Ale
- Grapefruit IPA
- Peak Buster Double IPA
Of their flagship beers, I`m particularly fond of their grapefruit IPA and the Meteor Shower Blonde. Both are staples for me, and I replenish my supply every time I visit Seattle. The double IPA was a bit too hoppy for my taste, but if bitter beers appeal to you, you`ll probably enjoy it.
Their limited production beers are also intriguing – I’ve tried as many of them as possible, and the two that stood out to me are the Ghost Pepper Saison, which is one of my favorite gluten free beers ever, and the Lunar Harvest Pumpkin Ale, which comes out around Thanksgiving and I always attempt to get my hands on. They recently released a mango sour, called “A Mango Meets a Monk,” which was almost like hard cider, and was a great summer beer.
Each time I return to Seattle to visit family, I make sure to bring along a spacious bag for stuffing full of Ghostfish beer to bring home with me, since gluten free beer options are scarce in San Francisco. Perhaps someone could work on remedying that situation?
Find their beer in your area using their useful beer finder tool.
Groundbreaker Brewing
Groundbreaker Brewing, a dedicated gluten free brewery in Portland, is another one of my goto gluten free beers, and I find it on tap and available in stores around the Bay Area significantly more often than any other brand.
According to their website, they were the first committed gluten free brewery in the US – props to them! They only use ingredients and are certified gluten free by the GFCO. One of the other things I like about them is the fact that they try to employ local ingredients when possible. For example, the chestnuts they use come from farmers in the Willamette Valley, and their hops are exclusively Oregon grown. I think that’s pretty cool.
Three of their beers particularly caught my interest from their selection.
The IPA no. 5 is outstanding. It`s a classic style of Northwest IPA made with chestnuts and lentils, which creates an intriguing blend. It`s not overly hoppy, and it has some nice bright fruity/citrus notes.
The Olallie Ale is also really good – made with blackberries and rosehips. It’s a nice light beer that is a great camping accessory.
Last, their Paddy Porter. Not too heavy, but still has some really nice “dark” characteristics (I taste coffee, but you might perceive something else).
If you see Groundbreaker, give them a try. They`re the original makers of real gluten free beer, and in many ways they have paved the way for other breweries to join the gluten free beer movement.
Read more about them in my guide about gluten free options in Portland.
Holidaily Brewing
I AM EXTREMELY FOND OF Holidaily. If you find yourself in Denver, you should do everything within your means to visit Golden, CO, which is about half an hour westward, to go to their taproom.
The founder of Holidaily, Karen Hertz, was obliged to embrace a gluten-free lifestyle for health reasons, and found none of the available alternatives appealing. She embarked to develop a guaranteed safe and delectable beer tailored for people with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Holidaily entered the gluten free brewing scene more recently in 2016 but their evolution has impressively progressed in my view.
I initially discovered Holidaily on a trip to Denver with companions a few years ago. Fortunate for me, we found ourselves in Colorado four times in 18 months, so I was able to make it out to their taproom in the early stages. They had some intriguing beers, I liked the Blonde and Fat Randy’s IPA, but nothing truly remarkable.
Until I returned to Holidaily in the summer of 2020. And now, they’re one of my favorite breweries in the country.
Amazement was felt from the more experimental beers available on tap, and it was rather clear they were now on the leading edge of gluten free beer. Enjoyment was found in the Guava Blonde and the Chocolate Brownie Stout, while Alysha favored the Globetrotter Gose.
Then, later in 2020, they contacted me again to participate in a session shedding light on their new beer – the Big Henry Hazy IPA – including its backstory and brewing process. Essentially, Holidaily is comprised of beer lovers who noticed Hazy IPAs gaining immense popularity in the craft beer world, wanting to introduce that trend to gluten free beer. The result is a light, citrusy beer that made its way onto my list of top gluten free beers.
If you travel to Denver, be sure to stop by and pick up a 4-pack to take home with you. Read more in my gluten free guide to Denver.
Cold Crash Brewing
Cold Crash Brewing is completely new. I managed to obtain their beer right before they closed down until they could reopen their taproom in 2021, which was coincidental. I was fortunate enough to just happen to be in Seattle on their last weekend pickup day, so I decided to purchase a lot of beer to try.
Here is the information I have about Cold Crash Brewing Company. They operate entirely without gluten from their location in West Seattle, and they are so dedicated to being safe for people with Celiac disease that they do not allow visitors to bring outside food. All facilities solely for gluten-free should truly implement that policy if they have not already done so. They also buy all of the ingredients that go into their beers exclusively from certified gluten-free malt houses.
One of their brews particularly stood out to me, combining hints of smoke and sweetness (my evaluations center more around taste than complex flavor profiles). Ranking among the top three gluten free beers I`ve enjoyed, it cracks the top three. They also demonstrate creativity with names, like “not another Zoom IPA” and the citrus-infused “Beermosa.”
When they can safely reopen their tasting area and opt to do so, be sure to stop by and greet them!
It’s a completely gluten free facility – no gluten allowed inside. So you probably should leave those seven loaves of non-gf bread at home, I guess.
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They also possess a notable history – In 2010 one of their founders with Celiac Disease was “appalled” by what the marketplace was offering in regards to gluten free beer at that time. A year later they manufactured their first batch, and now they have an international reach, distributing their beer in the US, Canada, and some parts of Europe and Australia!
Their goal is straightforward – “Brew tasty and bold gluten-free beers so as to provide a novel and unforgettable drinking experience. From our atypical ingredients to our unparalleled brewing techniques, creativity is at the core of all of our achievements.”
They have five beers in their regular lineup – the Blonde (which is great), the American Pale Ale, an IPA, the Red Ale (also tasty) and the White Ale. They win many awards, and their beer is fantastic.
Very prescribe them on the off chance that you’re in Canada, or on the off chance that you see them somewhere in the US.
Evasion Brewing
Evasion Brewing is one of two places serving Celiac-safe beer in the small town of McMinnville, located in the heart of Oregon’s wine-growing Willamette Valley region.
I resonate with their philosophy of prioritizing flavor. Their “This is My Party Shirt” beer, blending blonde ale with hibiscus and lime, holds special appeal due to its name and packaging, but also proves refreshing on hot summer days. Beyond its stimulating qualities, I appreciate their focus on creating drinks that truly satisfy the taste.
Their signature beers include the Hophoria IPA, the Blonde Ale, and the Tantamount Stout.
They feature some really intriguing seasonal/small batch releases that are only available at the brewery, like the Blood Orange IPA and the Holé Molé Imperial Chocolate Stout, which is a blend of their Imperial Chocolate Stout and chilies, cinnamon, almonds and vanilla. DELICIOUS. Too bad it’s sold out.
They do incorporate oats into some of their beers, so be sure to check ingredients if oats are excluded from your diet.
Bierly Brewing
Bierly Brewing is another brewery in McMinnville producing gluten-free beverages. Starting operations in 2016, they relocated to their own facility in McMinnville, Oregon by 2018. The owner, JP Bierly (hence the name), was an amateur home brewer who began crafting gluten-free beers as his wife has Celiac Disease, preventing him from sharing his barley-centered creations with her.
Then, in 2010, he was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance too. So he decided to start brewing gluten free beer, which eventually turned into the commercial operation that it is today.
Their flagship beers are:
- Felix Pilsner
- Amber IPA
- Blackbird Stout
- Baker Street Porter
- Rendezvous Double IPA
They also have some seasonal releases, but I’ve never individually seen them in-stores, and I haven’t quite made it out to their brewery in McMinnville yet.
Mentioning their brewery, JP`s wife Amelia creates absolutely gluten free foods, such as soft pretzels and doughnuts, that they provide at the brewery. Which makes for a wonderful day trip from Portland for those avoiding gluten.
Moonshrimp Brewing
Moonshrimp Brewing is another gluten free brewery located in Portland, which now has three such breweries, as noted by those keeping track. They have a beer pickup window just south of the city center. Their beers are both gluten free and vegan, and they don’t use oats, a consideration appreciated by this author who avoids them. They also don’t use clarifiers, so their beers pour a little hazier than some of the others on this list.
They have numerous semi-permanent beers, like their Dark Ale (“Negative Space”) and White Ale (“Starlight White”), along with some seasonals that rotate throughout the year.
They also have some cool “beer window exclusives” that are small-batch experimental beers that can only be obtained at their location in Portland, which I’m definitely going to be making a point to stop by soon.
Even More Breweries Making Celiac-Safe Gluten Free Beer!
Here are six more spots to add to your list. I haven’t made my way out to some of these spots just yet, but they’re on my list!
Aurochs Brewing: A brewery in Emsworth, Pennsylvania producing gluten free beer which I’ve heard much regarding, but haven’t been able to find locally on the West Coast. They’re a 100% gluten free facility, and like many gluten free companies, they developed their beer more from necessity than anything else. The two founders can’t have gluten, and they wanted beer. Hence! Aurochs was born. They source their grains from Grouse, which is a dedicated gluten free malt house in Colorado. Use their beer finder tool to locate their beer near you (looks like it’s only a couple of states in the northeast currently).
Burning Brothers Brewing ( opens in a new tab): Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, Burning Brothers creates gluten free beer using only gluten free ingredients in a gluten free facility. In other words, they do it correctly. They also have a beer finder, which will indicate where you can find their beer in Minnesota. They have many intriguing beers available at their taproom in St. Paul, and someday I’ll make the trip there to visit.
Neff Brewing, a small craft brewery in Tulsa, Oklahoma founded after its owner was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and found existing gluten-free beers lacking, commenced operations in 2018. They have earned accolades at the Oklahoma Craft Beer Awards. Their offerings include interesting flagship beers like the raspberry-flavored Pride and the Spacerveza as well as rotating seasonal styles that vary throughout the year. A tool for locating their beers is available here.
Mutantis Brewery and Bottle Shop: A Portland new arrival that I’ll be visiting soon that was started by one of the co-founders of Ghostfish. It’s going to be part gluten free brewery, part gluten free beer bottle shop, and I can’t wait to try it.
Lucky Pigeon Brewing: Maine’s first dedicated gluten free brewery! They’re entirely new.
Divine Science Brewing: A small gluten-free brewery located in Costa Mesa, California offering one of the only beer selections without gluten in the Southern California region, including a blonde ale, IPA, and stout distributed at retailers such as Total Wine & More and BevMo. Beer choices and where to find them listed here.
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